Marco Silva says it is too soon to say whether any of Fulham’s injured trio will be available for Saturday’s meeting with fellow Championship pacesetters Stoke City.
Speaking after watching his much changed side book a place in the League Cup third round by winning at Birmingham last night, the Fulham head coach admitted that Tim Ream, Kenny Tete and Fabio Carvalho all remained serious doubts for the game against Michael O’Neill’s side at Craven Cottage this weekend. All three were forced off with injuries during Fulham’s 2-0 over Hull City last weekend. Ream jarred his back in awkward fall, Tete appeared to injure his hamstring and teenage sensation Carvalho twisted an ankle after a late challenge by Richard Smallwood.
Silva told the Athletic’s Peter Rutzler after the final whistle at St. Andrew’s:
“They are three in doubt to be honest with you. It’s possible Kenny will be out. The other two let’s see but I cannot be sure about the three for next Saturday.”
Not good,especially Carvalho as he’s been a revelation ever since the season started, so hopefully he at least manages to get there. It does demonstrate how important it is to have good depth in the squad though, so that we have others we can call on who will be able to step in if necessary.